Introduction
Today we review Samsung’s latest offering, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, released this February. Our goal is to dissect one by one its most relevant features—screen, processor, RAM, storage, camera, design, battery, and connectivity—to determine if it delivers a compelling new price-performance ratio and represents a genuine improvement over its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, for the savvy Singaporean user.
1. Samsung S26 ultra specs vs S25 Ultra
Let’s dive right into the new features!
2. Design: Lighter, Curvier, and Now in Aluminum
The new design of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is softer, family-friendly and rounds out the S26 Ultra’s more angular predecessor. It’s slightly taller and wider but noticeably thinner (7.9mm vs. 8.2mm) and lighter (214g vs. 218g). The weight savings come from a material change; Samsung replaced the titanium frame of the S25 Ultra with aluminum.
The camera lenses are in a pill-shaped island, giving them a visual connection to the standard S26. The S-Pen is still included; however, the Bluetooth functionality has been removed, and the redesigned curved insertion mechanism will only allow insertion one way – unlike the S25 Ultra’s multiple insertion options.
3. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Screen: An Innovative Display
The Galaxy S26 Ultra and the older Galaxy S25 Ultra have great AMOLED displays (6.9 inch with QHD+ resolution at 120Hz) with the new Galaxy S26 taking up a notch with a new privacy screen feature. This practical new technology intelligently hides whatever you are viewing depending on the angle, perfectly protecting sensitive data from prying eyes.
While the Galaxy S25 Ultra relied heavily on Gorilla Glass Armor 2 for clarity and reflection reduction, the S26 Ultra maintains that same beautiful visual fidelity while adding this highly requested, privacy-focused daily enhancement.
4. Cameras: AI Polish on Proven Hardware
The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera system is a study in refinement over revolution. The hardware is largely a carryover from the S25 Ultra, featuring the same versatile quad-camera setup: a 200MP main sensor (now with a brighter f/1.4 aperture), a 50MP ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses for 3x and 5x optical zoom. The significant changes come from AI software that Samsung has invested heavily into to improve all aspects of imaging.
Expect better low-light shooting with a new Nightography mode for both pics and video, more natural skin tones with AI ISP in front camera, and smarter video stabilization called ‘Super Steady’ to keep the horizon level. While the S25 Ultra had an exceptional level of consistent performance, the S26 Ultra aims to be significantly smarter than its predecessor, particularly for video, with the addition of APV APIs (Rating Codecs) that will add to the future-proof aspect of flagship imaging via advanced coding algorithms.
5. Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: The New Speed King
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra flexes its muscles with the all-new, exclusive Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. This isn’t just a simple upgrade; the Gen 5 processor is much more powerful and efficient than the previous model, the Snapdragon 8 Elite (found in Galaxy S25 Ultra), will provide better overall performance for gaming and AI applications due to its integration with a redesigned vapor cooling chamber.
For those looking to buy a device that will provide them with continued smooth service for many years, the Samsung S26 Ultra is an ideal choice.
6. Storage: Same Generous Options, No Expansion
Like its predecessor, the S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage variants. Unfortunately, it also follows the S25 Ultra in omitting a microSD card slot. You’ll need to choose your capacity wisely at purchase, as there’s no expanding it later.
7. RAM: Up to 16GB for Power Users
The S26 Ultra offers 12GB of RAM for the 256GB and 512GB models, while the 1TB version gets a hefty 16GB. This is a step up from the S25 Ultra, which offered a flat 12GB across all storage tiers. The extra RAM ensures seamless multitasking and future-proofing.
8. Battery: Faster 60W Charging, Same 5,000mAh Capacity
The Galaxy S26 Ultra provides an essential increase to energy efficiency for on-the-move Singaporeans. Like its predecessor (the Galaxy S25 Ultra), the Galaxy S26 Ultra is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery.
The difference is in the charging process speed. With support for accelerated charging that offers up to 60W of quick wired transfer (in contrast to 45W max with the Galaxy S25 Ultra), this product could allow you to charge your mobile phone to a 75% charge within 30 mins. Both models allow the use of a wireless charger and provide the ability to share power wirelessly.
9. Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 Lead the Way
With its advanced connectivity suite, the S26 Ultra has all bases covered for any future enhancements. The phone supports 5G, the new Wi-Fi 7 protocol, and includes Bluetooth 6.0 to enable the fastest speeds, from both a performance and reliability perspective, for using next-generation networks and accessories.
Compared to the S25 Ultra, which provided 5G and Wi-Fi 7, but did not support Bluetooth beyond version 5.4, this provides the tech-savvy user in Singapore with an opportunity to be prepared for new earbuds/smartwatches/broadband public access at high speeds. Both the S25 and the S26 also include NFC for contactless payment, and they both have an IP68 rating for water and dust intrusion rating.
10. Smarter AI Tools
The evolution of Galaxy AI has been further advanced with the introduction of an “Audio Eraser” and a much enhanced “Sketch to Image“. Although Galaxy AI laid some of the foundations for these features with the S25 Ultra’s AI editing tools, Galaxy AI is now using these tools at a very high level and integrating them even better into professional workflows.
Final Review
Samsung has made several incremental improvements to the Galaxy S26 Ultra compared to its predecessor by numerous small incremental steps rather than one giant leap forward. Owners can expect to experience the incredible power of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, more robust and integrated AI capabilities, plus the extremely practical addition of a privacy screen.
The introduction of an aluminum casing will lead to a reduction in weight, while 60W charging is an extremely substantial improvement with regards to the user experience, despite the battery being rated as 5000 mAh.
For those looking for value for their money — and technology enthusiasts — it is evident that the value proposition is outstanding, as it polishes the already excellent S25 Ultra formula in terms of performance, intelligence, and daily functionality.
Ready to get and upgrade? If you have an S24 and you’re excited to get the new Galaxy S26, check here for the best resale options.
